At the 2nd Annual Livable Communities Summit, keynote speaker Emma Littlejohn of the nationally known housing consultancy The Littlejohn Group discussed Brightwalk - an urban inspired and sustainable neighborhood located just one mile outside of center city Charlotte. We're taking a look at what the buzz is all about in this case study.

Portland embarked on a grand experiment in city planning in 1973: an urban growth boundary containing development within a 22-square-mile area, protecting surrounding farmland and open space. The experience of Portland provides a example for planning in the 21st century, involving issues of economic development, gentrification, local food and farming, property rights, and civic participation.

Best Practices

n 2011, the Piedmont Triad Regional Council and the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation received a $1.6 million grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. With key support from agencies such as the NCFS, they produced Piedmont Together, a sustainable communities plan for the twelve-county Triad region.
In partnership with the North Carolina Forest Service, the Piedmont Triad Regional Council produced four booklets addressing clean water, energy, climate and healthy communities around the state based on information gathered during the Piedmont Together planning process.
Information gathered for the production of these booklets was adapted to meet statewide needs. These documents can also be found below.

In addition to feeding the families growing the food and donating to the hungry, community gardening benefits include eating healthier foods, getting exercise, building social capital, and beautifying the community by converting vacated spaces into attractive gardens.

A grassroots revitalization effort can be extremely effective. The City Project, a nonprofit initiative based in High Point, is rising to meet the challenges of revitalization neighborhood by neighborhood-and seeing results.